Page 59 of The Christmas Romance Wish

“Isn’t that only a rule so you don’t end up at home with a package of cheese whiz and baking chocolate?”

“We have a house to decorate and gifts to wrap. Better fuel up.”

I thought watching Alex push a shopping cart and browse holiday décor was a nice tourist attraction, but I’ll get back to you after I see him wrapping gifts.

After eating sandwiches and with the Jeep loaded up, we start driving, but I’m not sure which way we’re going.

“Aren’t we going to go into town?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

It gets dark early during this time of year and twinkling lights span the street with oversized lit-up snowflakes in the middle. Outside the post office is a red “Letters for Santa’s Box” and a Christmas countdown by the town hall. In front of the fire station is a massive sleigh pulled by glowing reindeer with Rudolph at the helm. At various homes and businesses, wreaths cover doorways, lights trim roofs, and poinsettias sit on porches.

Soon, we reach the center which reminds me of an alpine village with cobblestone streets and snow-dusted roofs. We park and walk, hands clasped, toward the town square, passing secret alleyways twinkling with lights and Christmas magic.

Awestruck, I say, “This is out of a winter fairy tale or a movie set.”

“I thought you’d like it.”

The sweet scent of roasting nuts and other Christmas treats fills the air. Walking past window displays and homes dressed in garlands, bows, and golden bells, it’s a feast for the eyes and spirit. Seeing how much everyone adores the holiday and comes together as a community fills me with hope.

“I thought I liked the city with all its activity, but this is...”

Alex drapes his arm over my shoulder. “Something special.”

“It is—and it’s so over the top.”

“Tell me if I’m wrong, but I think you like it.”

I drop Alex’s hand and cross my arms in front of my chest, willing my cheeks to go from pink to Grinch green. “I most certainly do not.”

“Actually, I think you love it, Emmie.”

I try to scowl, but all he gets is my bright smile as I lose my last stand, trying to despise Christmas.

Realizing Christmas won, Alex smiles, dimple directed at me. His palm returns to mine, and he says, “By sheer good luck, we timed it right. We get to watch the best part.”

Lifting my eyebrows in question, Alex leads us past a gazebo where a band plays live music.

“We’ll get the best view from over here.”

We stop in full view of the massive evergreen tree ringed with ribbon and topped with a star.

“Some towns do a single tree lighting ceremony to kick off the season. Holidayle does it nightly.”

The music changes and then Santa marches across the town green, er, the town white since it’s covered in snow, and waves at everyone.

With a “Ho, ho, ho, hooray,” the crowd joins in, counting down to the tree lighting.

A young boy wearing a knit hat stands beside a little girl with pigtails holding Santa’s hand. All three of their hands hover over a column with a button on top. Emblazoned across the front are the wordsLet it Glow!

“Each night, a different kidgets to help Santa push the button. And so no one felt left, out, they all got to help decorate. The lower branches, of course.”

My gaze travels up the length of the tree. After the crowd shouts, “Three, two, one,” it explodes into a rainbow of glowing colors in reds, greens, yellows, blues, and purples. It’s massive and glorious.

The little girl smiles and claps then looks around as if searching for her family. Her expression falls for a moment as if remembering she doesn’t have one. Then the older boy, maybe twelve, helps her down from the stage. I can’t help but think of my situation growing up.

We had a lot of fun in Coco Key, but there was always something missing. No matter how many treasure hunts Chip sent my brothers on, or how many mysteries he had me read, we never found our parents.

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